Radioiodinated phospholipid ether analogues

ABSTRACT

Novel radioiodinated analogues of naturally occurring phospholipid ethers are tumor-specific to enable selective visualization of neoplastic lesions by gamma-camera scintigraphy. The novel compounds enable a physician to differentiate neoplastic lesions from non-neoplastic lesions in a manner not heretofore available.

This invention was sponsored by the Department of Health & Human Services and the United States government may have certain rights in this invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to radioiodinated compounds which are useful as radiopharmaceuticals and biological probes, and more specifically, to radioiodinated phospholipid ether analogues of the naturally-occurring ether alkyl lysophospholipid which are tumor-specific and can be used for non-invasive imaging techniques such as gamma-camera scintigraphy.

Currently, most scintigraphic procedures for tumor-imaging utilize organ-specific radiodiagnostics which rely upon alteration of the radioactivity distribution within normal tissue for external visualization of tumors. The variations may appear as either an area of increased, or decreased, radioactivity within the tissue. A problem which has been encountered with these known radiodiagnostics is that many biological conditions, such as abscesses or other inflammations, can cause a disturbance in the radioactivity distribution pattern.

There are presently not available any radiopharmaceuticals which will specifically image neoplastic lesions by non-invasive nuclear medicine techniques. The current radiodiagnostic agent of choice for scintigraphy, gallium-67 citrate, will localize, or accumulate, in a tumor causing it to appear as an area of increased radioactivity when examined externally via a gamma camera. However, gallium-67 citrate is not tumor-specific (defined herein as localizing only in tumors) since it also accumulates in a variety of other inflammatory lesions. In addition, normal liver and spleen tissue typically exhibit high concentrations of radioactivity with the use of gallium-67 citrate, as a result, it is difficult to identify abnormal accumulations of radioactivity in or adjacent to these tissues.

An additional disadvantage of gallium-67 citrate is that the distribution of this agent can be altered by a variety of steroidal and antineoplastic drugs. Thus, the usefulness of gallium-67 citrate is limited after chemotherapy has been initiated.

Other tumor-localizing agents such as selenomethionine [⁷⁵ Se] and bleomycin labelled with ¹¹¹ In, ⁵⁷ Co, or ⁹⁹ Tc, have been investigated. However, these agents are not tumor-specific nor have they exhibited any obvious advantages over gallium-67 citrate.

There is, thus, a need in the art for a radiopharmaceutical which is tumor-specific to neoplastic tissue, and not merely tumor-localizing. Such an agent would not only provide a noninvasive technique for the detection of primary tumors and metastases but would enable monitoring of tumor reduction during therapy.

Some analogues of the naturally-occurring lipid ether, alkyl lysophospholipid, have exhibited an antitumor activity. ##STR1##

The mechanism which underlies this activity is not entirely understood. However, a direct cytotoxic action appears to be involved.

The normal cellular degradation of the ether phospholipid, 1-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-3-glycero-3-phosphocholine involves deacylation by phospholipase A₂ in the 2-position to yield alkyl lysophospholipid. This is followed by the cleavage of the ether bond by the 1-0-alkyl cleavage enzyme to afford sn-glycero-3phosphocholine. An alternative degradative pathway of alkyl Lysophospholipid involves the removal of the phosphocholine moiety. This occurs by the sequential actions of lysophospholipase D and a phosphohydrolase and yields a metabolite of alkyl lysophospholipid, 1-0-alkyl glycerol. Further degradation of this alkyl glycerol requires the 1-0alkyl cleavage enzyme.

It is proposed that the alkyl lysophospholipid analogues accumulate in tumor cells, thus altering the natural phospholipid metabolism and resulting in cell death. This accumulation is partially attributed to decrease in activity of the 1-0-alkyl cleavage enzyme which is responsible for cleavage of the ether bond. Reduction in the enzyme's activity retards degradation of the lipids and results in an accumulation of endogenous ether lipids in the tumors. It would be advantageous to develop analogues of the naturally occurring alkyl lysophospholipid which can be rendered radioactive, will be stable once radiolabelled, and will accumulate in specifically in neoplastic tumor tissue. Moreover, the radiodiagnostic agent should be non-toxic, physiologically acceptable, and be able to reside in the body for a period of time long enough to permit scanning.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a radiopharmaceutical for gamma camera scintigraphy.

it is another object of this invention to provide a radiopharmaceutical for selective visualization of neoplastic lesions.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a radiopharmaceutical which represents an improvement over currently available agents, such as gallium-67 citrate, in that it is tumor-specific versus tumor-localizing.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a radiopharmaceutical such that its radioactivity distribution will not be altered by the action of other drugs, such as steroids and antineoplasts, and therefore can be used to monitor tumor reduction during therapy.

It is additionally an object of this invention to provide a non-invasive technique for detection of primary tumors and metastases.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide a radiolabelled compound which is a substrate for platelet activating factor and can be used as a biological probe to study the metabolism of platelet activating factor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other objects are achieved by this invention which provides novel radioiodinated aralkyl phospholipid ether analogues of naturally occurring phospholipid ether compounds of the general Formula I: ##STR2## where X is a radioactive isotope of iodine, in certain embodiments of the invention, these isotopes may include ¹²² I, ¹²³ I, ¹²⁵ I, and ¹³¹ I; n is an integer between 1 and 15;

Y is selected from the group of H, OH, ##STR3## and OR wherein R is an alkyl or aralkyl substituent; and Z is selected from the group of NH₂, NR₂, and NR₃, wherein R is an alkyl or aralkyl substituent.

In accordance with a method aspect of the invention, a physiologically effective amount of the inventive compound is administered to the body of a living being.

In accordance with an inventive use aspect of the invention, the compound having the aforementioned general formula is utilized as a tumor-specific radioactive tracer compound. In an illustrative embodiment, the radioisotope of iodine is selected from the group of ¹²³ I, ¹²⁵ I, and ¹³¹ I. An effective amount of the radioactive tracer compound is administered to the body of the living being so as to cause sufficient gamma rays to be emitted for imaging of neoplastic tissue by gamma-camera scintigraphy.

In accordance with a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, the inventive compound is 1-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-2-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine. ##STR4##

In a still further embodiment, the inventive compound is 1-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-propanediol-3-phosphocholine. ##STR5##

An alternative embodiment of the invention provides novel radioiodinated aralkyl phospholipid ether analogues of naturally occurring phospholipid ether compounds of the general Formula II: ##STR6## where n=1-15 ##STR7## or: ##STR8## m=0-15 Z=¹²² I, ¹²³ I, ¹²⁵ I, and ¹³¹ I

Y=NH₂, NR₂, NR₃

R=alkyl, aralkyl

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Comprehension of the invention is facilitated by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the annexed drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative preparatory scheme for 12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl methane sulfonate;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative preparatory scheme for 1-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-2-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative preparatory scheme for 1-[12-(m-Iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-propanediol-3-phosphocholine;

FIG. 4 is a depiction resulting from a scan of an entire rat;

FIG. 5 is a depiction of a scan of the lower abdominal region of the rat;

FIG. 6 is a depiction resulting from a scan of the entire rat;

FIG. 7 is a depiction of a scan of the lower abdominal region of the rat;

FIG. 8 is a depiction resulting from a scan of the entire rat;

FIG. 9 is a depiction of a scan of the lower abdominal region of the rat;

FIG. 10 is a depiction resulting from a scan of the entire rat;

FIG. 11 is a depiction of a scan of the lower abdominal region of the rat;

FIG. 12 is an illustrative preparatory scheme for rac-1-0- hexadecyl-2-0-iodobenzoyl-3-0-glycerolphosphocholine; and

FIG. 13 shows the phospholipid ether catabolic pathway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following examples of specific embodiments of the invention are also illustrative of methods for synthesizing the radioiodinated phospholipid analogues of the present invention:

Example 1

The synthesis of 12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl methane sulfonate, a necessary compound for illustrative preparatory schemes for the phospholipid ether analogues discussed in detail in Examples 2 and 3 hereinbelow, was accomplished from 11-bromodecanoic acid in accordance with the illustrative preparatory scheme shown in FIG. 1. In general terms, the scheme comprises: esterification of 11-bromodecanoic acid (compound 1) followed by reaction with triphenylphosphine to yield the corresponding phosphonium salt (compound 3). A Wittig reaction involving compound 2 with m-nitrobenzaldehdye afforded m-nitrophenyl alkenoate (compound 4) which, upon subsequent catalytic hydrogenation gave rise to an m-aminophenyl alkanoate (compound 5). The m-aminophenyl alkanoate was converted to the corresponding diazonium salt and the diazonium ion was subsequently displaced by iodide to afford ester (compound 6). The ester was saponified, reduced to the corresponding acid compound 7 and the resulting alcohol compound 8 was mesylated to form the mesylate compound 9.

Compound 1, 11-Bromoundecanoic acid (41.38 g, 156 mmol), was placed in a 250 ml round-bottomed flask equipped with a reflux condenser. After absolute ethanol (60 ml) and concentrated HCl (1/2 ml) were added, the reaction mixture was refluxed overnight. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature before the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The resulting yellow oil was dissolved in ether. The ether solution was extracted with saturated NaHCO₃ and H₂ O, and dried over MgSO₄. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification of the crude product was obtained by vacuum distillation which yielded a colorless oil, ethyl-11-bromoundecanoate, compound 2 (37.32 g, 82.5% yield).

Ethyl-11-bromoundecanoate (36.0 g, 123 mmol) and acetonitrile (200 ml) were placed in a flame-dried three-neck 500 ml round-bottomed flask equipped with a reflux condenser. Triphenyl phosphine (35.5 g, 135 mmol was added to the solution and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 36 hours under anhydrous conditions. After the reaction mixture had cooled, to room temperature, the acetonitrile was removed under reduced pressure. The crude product was triturated with ether. The solid was filtered and washed with ether to yield a pure compound 3, 11-carbethoxyundecyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (56.69 g, 83% yield).

Sodium amide (0.40 g, 9.74 mmol) was weighed directly into a flame-dried 50 ml round-bottomed flask filled with Argon. 11-Carbethoxyundecyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (5.00 g, 9.0 mmol) was added. The mixture was cooled to -30° C. After the reaction mixture had stirred for 30 minutes at -30° C., a solution of m-nitrobenzaldehyde (1.4 g, 9.30 mmol) in anhydrous Tetrahydrofuran (THF, 2 ml) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred for 4 hours. Ether was added. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C., and H₂ O was cautiously added to destroy residual base. THe ether layer was removed, washed with H₂ O, 2% NaHSO₄ and brine, and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to yield an oily residue. Purification by column chromatography (150 g silica gel, hexane:ethyl acetate, 15:1) gave the pure compound 4, ethyl-12-(m-nitrophenyl)-11-dodecanoate (1.323 g, 42% yield).

Ethyl-12-(m-nitrophenyl)-11-dodecanoate (9.76 g, 28.1 mmol) was dissolved in ethyl acetate (55 ml). The solution was hydrogenated over 5% Pd/C (0.346 g) at room temperature and at an initial pressure of 45 psi for four hours. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield an oily residue. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (80 g silica gel, hexanes:ethyl acetate, discontinuous gradient 10:1-2:1 to yield the reduced compound 5, ethyl-12-(m-aminophenyl)-dodecanoate 8.75 g, 97.5% yield).

Glacial acetic acid (4 ml) and concentrated HCl (2.5 ml) were added to a 50 ml Erlenmeyer flask containing ethyl-12-(m-aminophenyl)-dodecanoate (3.92 g, 12.28 mmol). The mixture was cooled in a NaCl/ice bath. A cold aqueous solution of NaNO₂ (4 ml, 3.1 M) was added to the mixture. The reaction was stirred for 40 minutes before a cold aqueous solution of KI/I₂ 2.31/1.78 g, 7 ml) was added. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred overnight. Ether was added to the reaction mixture. The ether layer was separated and extracted with H₂ O, 10% Na₂ S₂ O₃, H₂ O, sat. NaHCO₃, and brine. The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to give a reddish oil. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (120 g silica gel, hexanes:ethyl acetate 20:1) to yield a clear oil, compound 6, ethyl-12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecanoate (5.28 g, 56.8% yield).

Ethyl-12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecanoate (7.17 g, 16.67 mmol), 95% ethanol (100 ml) and KOH (2.0 g) were placed into a 250 ml round-bottomed flask fitted with a reflux condenser. The reaction mixture was refluxed overnight. The ethanol was removed in vacuo and H₂ O was added. The aqueous solution was acidified and then extracted with ether. The ether layer was dried (MgSO₄), and the solvent was evaporated to yield a yellow solid. The crude product was recrystallized with 95% ethanol to provide a white flaky solid, compound 7, 12-m-iodophenyldodecanoic acid (5.9 g, 88.0% yield).

Anhydrous THF (20 ml) was added to a flame-dried 100 ml two-necked flask contain 12-m-iodophenyldodecanoic acid (3.30 g, 8.21 mmol). The solution was cooled in an ice bath before BH₃ THF (15.0 ml, 1 M) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and to stir under anhydrous conditions for 20 hours. The reaction mixture was again cooled to 0° C. and quenched with H₂ O. Ether and additional H₂ O were then added. The ether layer was extracted with H₂ O, sat. NaHCO₃, and more H₂ O and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield a yellow oil. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography (90 g silica gel, hexanes:ethyl acetate 8:1) to yield a white solid, compound 8, 12-m-iodophenyldodecanol (3.14 g, 98.4% yield).

12-m-Iodophenyldodecanol (5.88 g, 15.17 mmol was placed into a flame-dried three-neck 100 ml round-bottomed flask equipped with a reflux condenser and charged with N₂. Anhydrous pyridine (30 ml) was added. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. before freshly distilled methane sulfonyl chloride (2.0 ml, 25.96 mmol) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature. After the reaction mixture had been stirred for several hours, it was poured into ice cold H₂ O and the resulting precipitate was filtered. The solid was dissolved in ether and extracted with H₂ O, 1 N HCl, and H₂ O. The ether layer was dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo. The crude product was recrystallized with a hexanes and ethyl acetate mixture to yield the pure mesylate, compound 9, 12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl methanesulfonate (4.95 g, 70.7%).

Example 2

In a specific illustrative embodiment of a phospholipid ether analogue in accordance with the present invention, the synthesis of 1-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-2-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine was accomplished according to the illustrative preparatory scheme shown in FIG. 2. Etherification of rac-1-benzyl-2-methyl glycerol (compound 11) with the sulfonate of Example 1 (compound 9, FIG. 1) was a necessary step. Rac-1-benzyl-2-methyl glycerol was prepared from rac-isopropylidene glycerol (compound 10). Following etherification of rac-1-benzyl-2-methyl glycerol, debenzylation was accomplished under acidic conditions to yield alcohol compound 16. Condensation of alcohol 16 with bromoethyl phosphoryl dichloride afforded compound 17 which upon treatment with trimethyl amine yielded 1-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-2-methyl-rac-glycero-3phosphocholine(compound 18).

Referring to FIG. 2, the preparation of 1-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-2-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine is described in detail. Isopropylidene glycerol (21.3 g, 161 mmol) was added dropwise into a flame-dried three-necked 200 ml round-bottomed flask containing anhydrous benzene (50 ml) and NaNH₂ (6.62 g, 161 mmol) which was equipped with a reflux condenser. The reaction mixture was refluxed under anhydrous conditions for one hour before benzyl chloride (24.0 g, 193 mmol) was slowly added to the hot mixture. The reaction mixture was refluxed overnight. After the reaction mixture had cooled to room temperature, H₂ O was cautiously added. The benzene layer was removed and washed several times with H₂ O and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed in vacuo to give a dark brown oil which was purified by vacuum distillation to yield pure benzyl ether, rac-1-0-benzyl-2,3-0-isopropylidine glycerol (23.1 g, 79%).

rac-1-0-Benzyl-2,3-0-isopropylidine glycerol (26.8 g, 121 mmol) and 10% HOAc (55 ml) were placed in a 200 ml round-bottomed flask fitted with a reflux condenser. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 4 hours before the solvent was removed by distillation. The residual pale yellow oil was vacuum distilled to yield the pure diol, compound 11, rac-1-0-benzylglycerol (18.2 g, 82.7%).

rac-1-0-Benzylglycerol (5.37 g, 29.5 mmol), trityl chloride (8.31 g, 29.8 mmol) and anhydrous pyridine (35 ml) were placed in a flame-dried 200 ml round-bottomed flask. The reaction mixture was stirred under anhydrous conditions at room temperature for two days. The precipitate which formed was filtered before H₂ O and ether were added. The ether layer was extracted with H₂ O, 1N HCl and H₂ O and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed by reduced pressure to provide a viscous yellow oil. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (180 g silica gel; hexanes:ethyl acetate, gradient 8:1 to 3:1 to yield pure compound 12, rac-1-0-benzyl-3-0-tritylglycerol (9.00 g, 72% yield).

Method A

NaNH₂ (0.616 g, 15.0 mmol was added to a flame-dried two-necked 50 ml round bottom flask equipped with a reflux condenser which contained a solution of rac-1-0-benzyl-3-0-tritylglycerol (5.30 g, 12.5 mmol) in anhydrous 1,4 dioxane (30 ml). The reaction mixture was refluxed for one hour under N₂. Then CH₃ I (3.55 g, 25.0 mmol) was added dropwise. The resulting reaction mixture was refluxed overnight. After the mixture had cooled to room temperature, ether and H₂ O were added. The ether layer was removed and extracted with 1 N HCl, H₂ O sat. NaHCO₃, H₂ O, and brine. The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent was removed in vacuo to give a yellow oil which solidified upon standing. The crude solid was recrystallized with hexanes to yield pure compound 13, rac-1-0-benzyl-2-)-methyl-3-0tritylglycerol (4.32 g, 78.9%).

Method B

Anhydrous THF (30 ml) and NaH (0.467 g, 19.45 mmol) were added to a flame-dried three-necked 200 ml round-bottomed flask equipped with a reflux condenser. This mixture was heated to 55° C. before CH₃ I (1.7 ml, 27.07 mmol) was added dropwise. A solution of rac-1-0-benzyl-3-0-tritylglycerol (6.60 g, 15.56 mmol) in anhydrous THF (20 ml) was then added slowly. After the reaction mixture had been stirred for four hours at 55° C., the heat was removed and the reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. H₂ O was cautiously added. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ether and the solution was extracted twice with H₂ O. The ether solution was dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield the crude product, compound 13 (6.73 g). The crude product from this method was not purified, but used directly in the next reaction.

rac-1-0-Benzyl-3-0-tritylglycerol (6.73 g) and 80% HOAc (50 ml) were combined in a 100 ml flask and heated at reflux for three hours. The heat was removed and the reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature. The reaction was neutralized with 10% KOH and extracted with ether. The ether layer was dried (MgSO₄) before the solvent was removed in vacuo. Purification of the residue was obtained by column chromatography (150 ml silica gel; hexanes:ethyl acetate, gradient 5:1-0:1) The pure compound 14, rac-1-0-benzyl-2-0-methylglycerol, was obtained as a clear oil (1.84 g, 59.7% yield).

Anhydrous benzene (5 ml) and potassium metal (0.748 g, 1.91 mmol) were added to a flame-dried three-neck 50 ml round-bottomed flask equipped with a reflux condenser under a N₂ atmosphere. The mixture was heated to reflux. After the potassium metal had melted, a solution of rac-1-0-benzyl-2-0-methylglycerol (0.423 g, 2.15 mmol) in anhydrous benzene (5 ml) was added dropwise via a syringe. The reaction mixture was allowed to reflux for one hour before a solution of 12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl methanesulfonate (0.868 g, 1.86 mmol) in dry benzene (4 ml) was added. 12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl methanesulfonate was produced in the reaction scheme of Example 1 and FIG. 1 discussed in detail hereinabove. The reaction mixture was refluxed overnight and the reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. before H₂ was slowly added. The organic layer was separated, extracted with H₂ O, 1 N H₂ SO₄, and H₂ O and then dried (MgSO₄). The removal of the solvent under reduced pressure provided the crude product which was purified by column chromatography (26 g silica gel, hexanes:ethyl acetate, 8:1) to yield the pure ether, compound 15, rac-1-0-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-2-0-methyl-3-0-benzylglycerol (349 mg, 33% yield).

rac-1-0-[12-(m-Iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-2-0-methyl-3-0-benzylglycerol (840 mg, 1.48 mmol) and a 1 N solution of HClO₄ in dioxane (11 ml) were combined in a 25 ml round-bottomed flask equipped with a reflux condenser. The reaction mixture was heated at 80°-100° C. for ten hours. The heat was removed and the reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature. The solvent was removed in vacuo. Ether was added and the solution was extracted with H₂ O, sat. NaHCO₃ and H₂ O. After the organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield the crude product which was purified by column chromatography (90 g silica gel; hexanes:ethyl acetate 4:1) to obtain pure alcohol compound 16, rac-1-0-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-2-0-methyl-3-0-methylglycerol (470 mg, 66% yield).

A solution of 2-bromoethyl dichlorophosphate (0.277 g, 1.14 mmol) in anhydrous ether (7 ml) was placed into a flame-dried, three neck 50 ml round-bottomed flask which was equipped with a reflux condenser and charged with N₂. The solution was cooled to 0° C. before dry pyridine (0.40 ml) was added. A solution of rac-1-0- [12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-2-0-methyl-3-0-methylglycerol (150 mg, 0.315 mmol) in anhydrous ether 1.5 ml) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 10 minutes before it was heated at a gentle reflux for 4.5 hours. The heat was removed and the reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature before H₂ O (1/2 ml) was added. After the reaction mixture had been stirred for 30 minutes, the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in chloroform and the solution was extracted with H₂ O, 1 N HCL and H.sub. 2 O. Methanol was used to disrupt the emulsions which formed as an azeotrope with benzene. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (19 g silica gel, chloroform:methanol, 9:1) to obtain the pure compound 17, rac-1-0-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-2-0-methyl-3-0 (2'bromoethyl)-phosphorylglycerol.

rac-1-0-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-2-0-methyl-3-0(2'bromoethyl)-phosphorylglycerol (73 mg, 0.110 mmol) and N(CH₃)₃ (45-50% aq. solution, 0.80 ml, 5.4 mmol) were added to a three neck round-bottomed flask contained CHCL₃ :isopropanol:DMF (3:5:5, 6.5 ml). The reaction mixture was heated at 50 C. for 5.5 hours. The heat was removed and the reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature before Ag₂ CO₃ (39 mg, 0.14 mmol) was added. The heat was the reapplied for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was cooled, filtered, and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (14 g silica gel, CHCl₃ :methanol:H₂ O, 65:35:4) to yield the pure phospholipid compound 18, 1-0-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-2-0-methyl-rac-glycero-3-0-phosphocholine (37 mg, 52.4% yield).

Example 3

Synthesis of another phospholipid ether analogue within the purview of this invention is shown in the preparatory scheme of FIG. 3. 1-[12-(m-Iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-propanediol-3phosphocholine was prepared by the etherification of 3-trityl propanediol with the methane sulfonate (compound 9) of Example 1 followed by detritylation under acidic conditions to provide alcohol compound 22. The phosphocholine moiety was added to the alcohol in the manner described above for Example 2.

1,3-Propane diol (1.053 g, 13.84 mmol), trityl chloride (3.50 g, 12.6 mmol) and anhydrous pyridine (5 ml) were combined in a flame-dried round-bottomed flask. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. Ether was added to the reaction mixture and the solution was extracted with H₂ O, 1 N HCl, H₂ O, and brine. The ether layer was dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (100 g silica gel; hexanes:ethyl acetate, gradient 8:1 to 6:1) to provide the pure ether compound 20, 3-0-Trityloxy-propanol (1.85 g, 46.4% yield).

Anhydrous THF (3 ml) and NaNH₂ (95%, 0.057 g, 1.38 mmol) were placed into a flame-dried three-necked round-bottomed flask. A solution of 3-0-Trityloxy-propanol (0.347 g, 1.09 mmol) in THF (2.5 ml) was slowly added to the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 1.5 hours before a solution of 12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl methanesulfonate (0.508 g, 1.09 mmol) in THF (2.5 ml) was added slowly to the reaction mixture. The resulting reaction mixture was heated to reflux overnight. Additional NaNH₂ (95%, 0.058 g, 1.49 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was again heated to reflux for 5 hours. The heat was removed and the reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature before H₂ O was cautiously added to destroy residual base. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved into ether and extracted with H₂ O. The ether layer was dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent removed. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (35 g silica gel; hexanes:ethyl acetate, 15:1) to yield the pure ether compound 21, 1-0-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-3-0-Trityl propane diol (325 mg, 44.6%).

1-0-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-3-0-Trityl propane diol (370 mg, 0.554 mmol), 95% ethanol (20 ml), and concentrated H₂ SO₄ (5 drops) were combined in a 50 ml round bottom flask equipped with a reflux condenser. The reaction mixture was warmed to 60° C. overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure before ether and water were added. The organic layer was removed, extracted with saturated NaHCO₃, H₂ O, 1 N H₂ SO₄, and H₂ O, and then dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (13 g silica gel; hexanes:ethyl acetate, gradient 6:1 to 4:1) to yield alcohol 22, 1-0-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-3-propane diol (88 mg, 35.6% yield).

A solution of 2-bromoethyl dichlorophosphate (0.274 g, 1.13 mmol) in anhydrous ether 5 ml) was placed in a flame-dried round bottom flask equipped with a reflux condenser. The solution was cooled to 0° C. before dry pyridine (0.40 ml) was added. A solution of 1-0-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-3-propane diol (141 mg, 0.316 mmol) in anhydrous ether (4 ml) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 10 minutes and then heated to reflux for 3 hours. The heat was removed and the reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature before H₂ O (0.50 ml) was added. After the reaction mixture had been stirred for 30 minutes. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in CHCL₃ and the solution was extracted with H₂ O, 1 N HCL and H₂ O. Methanol was used to disrupt the emulsion which formed. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residual H₂ O was removed as an azeotrope with benzene. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (30 g silica gel, CHCl₃ :methanol, 12:1) to obtain the pure compound 23, 1-0-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-3-(2'bromoethyl)-phosphoryl propane (100 mg, 50.3% yield).

1-[12-m-(Iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-3-(2'bromoethyl)-phosphoryl propane (37 mg, 0.058 mmol) and N(CH₃)₃ (45-50% aq. solution, 0.40 ml, 2.63 mmol) were added to a two-necked pear-shaped flask containing CHCL₃ :isopropanol:DMF (3:5:5, 3.75 ml). The reaction mixture was heated at 50 C. for 6.5 hours. The heat was removed and the reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature before Ag₂ CO₃ (21 mg, 0.076 mmol) was added. The heat was reapplied for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was cooled, filtered, and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (10 g silica gel, CHCL₃ :methanol:H₂ O, 65:25:4) to yield the pure compound 24, 1-0-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-propanediol-3-0-phosphocholine (17 mg, 47% yield).

Radioiodination of the Phospholipid Ether Analogues

For certain uses, such as scintigraphy or experimental evaluation of tissue distribution, it is desirable to create radioactive compounds. Radioiodination of the iodinated phospholipid ether analogues disclosed herein, or one of the intermediates in the synthesis pathway, such as a trityl-protected compound, can be accomplished by a variety of techniques, some of which are known in the art. For example, aromatic compounds with electron donating groups (such as anilines) can be radiolabelled by electrophilic iodination in the presence of radioiodine, iodine monochloride, chloramine-T, iodogen, etc. Unactivated aromatic rings, can be radioiodinated by exchange of a leaving group, such as aryl boronic acids, aryl thallium trifluoroacetates, triazenes or metallated arenes with radioiodine. Direct electrophilic radioiodination of a phenyl ring is yet another alternative, but may require the use of isomeric mixtures which are difficult to separate. Iodine exchange of aryl iodides with radioiodine may be a preferable approach insofar as no complex separation techniques are necessary since the substrate and radioiodinated product are chemically identical.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an isotopes exchange-type technique is utilized wherein the substrate and radioiodine are reacted at an elevated temperature in a "melt." The molten reaction medium possesses a sufficiently high dielectric constant to solubilize both the substrate and radioiodide. Examples of reaction media currently in use are benzoic acid (mp 122° C., bp 249° C.) and acetamide (mp 82° C., bp 221° C.). In a specific preferred embodiment, an acidic exchange medium comprising pivalic acid, a homolog of acetic acid, also known as trimethyl acetic acid, was used. Pivalic acid has a melting point of 33° C. and a boiling point of 164° C.

The phospholipid (1 mg) and pivalic acid (10 mg) were placed in a 1 ml serum vial. The vial was flushed with N₂ and sealed with a teflon-lined rubber septum and aluminum cap. Aqueous Na¹²⁵ I (0.5-1.0 ml, 100-500 mCi) was added. A stream of N₂ was used to remove the water and the reaction mixture was then heated at 150° C. for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature before extraction with a chloroform:methanol mixture (1:2 volume ratio, 60 ml) and water (60 ml) were added. The organic layer was removed and added to a silica gel-60 column (1×5 cm). The column was initially eluted with chloroform:methanol (1:1) to remove the Na¹²⁵ I and then with chloroform:methanol:water (65:25:4) to obtain the radioiodinated product.

Of course, any isotope of iodine such as the clinically used isotopes, I¹²², I¹²³, I¹²⁵ and I¹³¹ can be used. I¹²⁵ is preferred for in vitro work in the laboratory due to its relatively long half-life. For radiodiagnostic purposes in humans, I¹²³ or I¹³¹ is preferred due to their shorter half-lives. The advent of positron emission tomography has also created a use for the positron-emitting I¹²² isotope. The radioiodination procedures may be modified, as known by those of skill in the art, to compensate for the difference in half-life.

The above-described radioiodinated phospholipid ether analogues may be solubilized in a suitable transport agent, or carrier vehicle, and administered to mammalian subjects as radiologic agents by any known manner, preferably intraparentally such as intravenously or intraperitonally.

Tissue Distribution Studies

Radio-labelled compounds 1-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-2-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine (ET-12IP-OMe; Example 2) and 1-[12-(m-iodophenyl)-dodecyl]-propanediol-3-phosphocholine (ET-12IP-OH; Example 3) were prepared and administered to two sets of female Sprague Dawley rats. Normal rats (control) and rats bearing tumors resulting from Walker 256 sarcoma cells which had been implanted into the thigh. The labelled compounds (5-35 mCi ¹²⁵ I) were administered intravenously in a 2% Tween 20-saline vehicle. At various times following administration the animals were sacrificed, and selected tissue samples were removed. The tissue samples were weighed and placed in cellulose acetate capsules. The radioactivity was then counted (85% efficiency) using a well scintillation counter (Searle 1185). The results from those tissues with the highest concentration of radioactivity are shown in Tables 1-4 below.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         DISTRIBUTION OF RADIOACTIVITY 6 HOURS AFTER                                    IV ADMINISTRATION OF .sup.125 I-LABELLED ET-12IP-OME                           IN NORMAL AND TUMOR-BEARING RATS.sup.A,B                                       TISSUE        CONTROL    TUMOR.sup.C                                           ______________________________________                                         BLOOD         0.105 ± 0.009                                                                          0.231 ± 0.008                                      KIDNEY        0.650 ± 0.114                                                                          1.315 ± 0.091                                      LIVER         1.744 ± 0.125                                                                          3.588 ± 0.189                                      LUNG          0.356 ± 0.012                                                                          0.873 ± 0.081                                      MUSCLE        0.023 ± 0.000                                                                          0.406 ± 0.001                                      TUMOR         --         1.123 ± 0.024                                      ______________________________________                                          .sup.A (% Dose/Gram of Tissue)                                                 .sup.B N = 3, Mean ± Standard error                                         .sup.C Walker 256 Sarcoma Implanted in Thigh                             

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         DISTRIBUTION OF RADIOACTIVITY 24 HOURS AFTER                                   IV ADMINISTRATION OF .sup.125 I-LABELLED ET-12IP-OME                           IN NORMAL AND TUMOR-BEARING RATS.sup.A                                         TISSUE        CONTROL.sup.B                                                                             TUMOR.sup.C,D                                         ______________________________________                                         BLOOD         0.085 ± 0.001                                                                          0.096 ± 0.023                                      KIDNEY        0.426 ± 0.030                                                                          0.463 ± 0.111                                      LIVER         0.675 ± 0.020                                                                          0.743 ± 0.105                                      LUNG          0.218 ± 0.010                                                                          0.299 ± 0.017                                      MUSCLE        0.034 ± 0.004                                                                          0.027 ± 0.006                                      TUMOR         --         1.115 ± 0.016                                      ______________________________________                                          .sup.A (% Dose/Gram of Tissue)                                                 .sup.B N = 4, Mean ± standard error                                         .sup.C N = 3, Mean ± standard error                                         .sup.D Walker 256 Sarcoma Implanted in Thigh                             

                  TABLE 3                                                          ______________________________________                                         DISTRIBUTION OF RADIOACTIVITY 6 HOURS AFTER                                    IV ADMINISTRATION OF .sup.125 LABELLED ET-12IP-H IN                            NORMALAND TUMOR-BEARING RATS.sup.A,B                                           TISSUE        CONTROL    TUMOR.sup.C                                           ______________________________________                                         BLOOD         0.475 ± 0.078                                                                          0.239 ± 0.024                                      KIDNEY        2.599 ± 0.107                                                                          1.772 ± 0.108                                      LIVER         1.349 ± 0.047                                                                          0.892 ± 0.083                                      LUNG          0.816 ± 0.031                                                                          0.525 ± 0.053                                      MUSCLE        0.083 ± 0.009                                                                          0.050 ± 0.009                                      TUMOR         --         1.028 ± 0.158                                      ______________________________________                                          .sup.A (% Dose/Gram of Tissue)                                                 .sup.B N = 3, Mean ± standard error                                         .sup.C Walker 256 Sarcoma implanted in Thigh                             

                  TABLE 4                                                          ______________________________________                                         DISTRIBUTION OF RADIOACTIVITY 24 HOURS AFTER                                   IV ADMINISTRATION OF .sup.125 I-LABELLED ET-12IP-H IN                          NORMAL AND TUMOR-BEARING RATS.sup.A,B                                          TISSUE        CONTROL    TUMOR.sup.C                                           ______________________________________                                         BLOOD         0.047 ± 0.035                                                                          0.036 ± 0.004                                      KIDNEY        0.257 ± 0.010                                                                          0.235 ± 0.018                                      LIVER         0.142 ± 0.333                                                                          0.139 ± 0.010                                      LUNG          0.129 ± 0.013                                                                          0.105 ± 0.008                                      MUSCLE        0.025 ± 0.001                                                                          0.014 ± 0.001                                      TUMOR         --         0.463 ± 0.063                                      ______________________________________                                          .sup.A (% Dose/Gram of Tissue)                                                 .sup.B N = 3, Mean ± standard error                                         .sup.C Walker 256 Sarcoma implanted in Thigh                             

Six hours following the administration of ET-12IP-OMe, the radioactivity was distributed through the tissues studied with liver, kidney, and tumor having the highest concentrations. However, by 24 hours, the radioactivity had cleared significantly from all of the tissues except for the tumor.

Scintigraphic Studies

Radiolabelled ET-12IP-OMe and gallium-67 citrate were administered separately to rats bearing either tumors or inflammatory lesions. Both types of lesions were located in the thigh of the rat. Tumor bearing lesions were produced by implantation of Walker 256 sarcoma cells and the inflammatory granuloma was developed using carrageenan irritation in accordance with the method described by Atkinson, et al., Agents and Actions, Vol. 8, pages 263-267, 1978.

The distribution of ET-12IP-OMe and gallium-67 citrate were compared 24 hours after administration of the agents by whole body scans using gamma counter scintigraphy. Although gallium-67 citrate was found to localize in the inflammatory lesion, little activity was associated with this area following administration of the radiolabelled phospholipid ether analogue. Therefore, external visualization of the inflammatory lesion was difficult using ET-12IP-OMe. However, both labelled agents were capable of localizing in the tumor, and therefore visualization of the tumor was possible.

FIG. 4 is a depiction resulting from a scan of an entire rat. As illustrated, the dark mass designated as L corresponds to liver tissue, and the dark mass designated T corresponds to tumor tissue. This Figure shows high accumulation of ¹²⁵ I-phospholipid ether (PE) in tumor T, with lower accumulation in liver L.

FIG. 5 is a depiction of a scan of the lower abdominal region of the rat. This Figure shows high accumulation of ¹²⁵ I-phospholipid ether (PE) in tumor T, with lower accumulation in liver L.

FIG. 6 is a depiction resulting from a scan of an entire rat. This Figure shows low accumulation of ¹²⁵ I-PE in granuloma G (inflammatory lesion) in relation to the liver.

FIG. 7 is a depiction of a scan of the lower abdominal region of the rat. This Figure shows low accumulation of ¹²⁵ I-PE in granuloma G (inflammatory lesion) in relation to the liver.

FIG. 8 is a depiction resulting from a scan of an entire rat. This Figure shows high accumulation of ⁶⁷ Ga in granuloma G, as well as liver L.

FIG. 9 is a depiction of a scan of the lower abdominal region of the rat. This Figure shows high accumulation of ⁶⁷ Ga in granuloma G, as well as liver L.

FIG. 10 is a depiction resulting from a scan of an entire rat. This Figure shows high accumulation of ⁶⁷ Ga in tumor T, and low accumulation in liver L.

FIG. 11 is a depiction of a scan of the lower abdominal region of the rat. This Figure shows high accumulation of ⁶⁷ Ga in tumor T, and low accumulation in liver L.

Example 4

This example illustrates another embodiment of the phospholipid ether analogues of the present invention wherein the monoiodinated benzoyl side chain is located at the 2-position on the triglycerol backbone in accordance with the general Formula II: ##STR9## where n=1-15 ##STR10## or: ##STR11## m=0-15 Z=¹²² I, ¹²³ I, ¹²⁵ I, and ¹³¹ I

Y=NH₂, NR₂, NR₃

R=alkyl, aralkyl

FIG. 12 is an illustrative preparatory scheme for rac-1-0-hexadecyl-2-0-iodobenzoyl-3-0-glycerolphosphocholine.

Hexadecanol (6.94 g, 28.6 mmol) was placed into a flame-dried two-neck round-bottomed flask equipped with a reflux compensator and N₂ atmosphere. Anhydrous pyridine (40 ml) was added to the flask. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. before methane and the solvent were removed to yield an oily residue. The crude product, or hexadecyl methanesulfonate (compound 34) which contained a small amount of xylene, was used without further purification in the next step.

The crude material was transferred to a 100 ml round-bottomed flask equipped with a reflux condenser. Methanol (50 ml) and conc. HCl were added and the reaction was refluxed several hours. After the reaction had cooled to room temperature, the solvent was removed . H₂ O and Et₂ O were added. The ether layer was extracted with H₂ O, 1% NaHCO₃, H₂ O, dried with (MgSO₄) and the solvent removed to provide a solid. Compound 35 was purified by recrystallization from petroleum ether to yield a white solid: rac-1-0-hexadecylglycerol (1.69 g, 55% based on the mesylate 34).

Method B

Potassium metal (1.5 g, 38.36 mmol) and anhydrous benzene (180 ml) were placed in a 500 ml three-neck round-bottomed flask equipped with a reflux condenser, dropping funnel, stir bar, and N₂ atmosphere. The reaction mixture was refluxed. When the potassium metal had melted, isopropylidine glycerol (6 ml, 48.25 mmol) was added drop-wise and the reaction continued to reflux an additional 2.5 hours. A solution of hexadecyl methane sulfonate (10.0 g, 32.25 mmol) in anhydrous benzene (80 ml) was added drop-wise and the reaction refluxed overnight. The heat was removed and the reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. Water was added and the benzene layer was removed, washed with H₂ O, dried (MgSO₄) and filtered. This residue was treated as in METHOD A for the hydrolysis of the acetal group to provide compound 35, rac-1-0hexadecylglycerol (7.65 g, 75%, based on mesylate compound 34).

rac-1-0-Hexadecylglycerol (1.3 g, 4.17 mmol) and anhydrous pyridine (20 ml) were placed in a flame-dried 50 ml round-bottomed flask flushed with N₂. Triphenylchloromethane (2.38 g, 8.54 mmol) was added to the solution and the reaction mixture was stirred for 48 hours. Ice cold H₂ O and Et₂ O were added. The ether layer was removed, washed with H₂ O, dried (MgSO₄), and filtered. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Residual pyridine was removed as an azeotrope with toluene. The resulting white solid was dissolved in petroleum ether, and the solution refluxed for one hour to precipitate the triphenylmethanol. The solution was filtered and the petroleum ether removed to yield the crude product 36, rac-1-0-hexadecyl-30-tritylglycerol (2.73 g, theoretical yield=2.29 g). The product was not purified further, but used directly in the next synthesis.

In a flame-dried round-bottomed flask flushed with N₂, crude rac-1-0-hexadecyl-3-0-tritylglycerol (400 mg) was dissolved in anhydrous CH₂ Cl₂ (7 ml). M-iodobenzoic acid (178 mg, 0.717 mmol) was added along with an additional amount of CH₂ Cl₂ (3 ml). After the acid had dissolved, DCC (163 mg, 0.79 mmol) and DMAP (24 mg, 0.20 mmol) were added. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and then filtered. The filtrate was washed with H₂ O dried (MgSO₄). and the solvent removed to yield an oily residue. Compound 37, rac-1-0-hexadecyl-2-0-m-iodobenzoyl-3-0-tritylglycerol, was purified by column chromatography.

rac-1-0-Hexadecyl-2-0-m-iodobenzoyl-3-0-tritylglycerol (1.02 g, 1.29 mmol) was dissolved in petroleum ether (bp 30-6° C.) and applied to a silica-gel-boric acid column (13.46 g). The column was prepared following a known procedure. The elution of the column with petroleum ether (150 ml), petroleum ether: Et₂ O (95.5, 850 ml) and hexanes: Et₂ O (3:1, 400 ml) resulted in the removal of the trityl group and the isolation of the deprotected alcohol 38. The fractions containing compound 38 were combined and the solvent removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in CHCl₃, extracted with H₂ O, and dried (MgSO₄). After the mixture was filtered, the solvent was evaporated to yield the pure compound 38, rac-1-0-hexadecyl-2-0-m-iodobenzoylglycerol.

Bromoethyl dichlorophosphate (100 mg, 0.416 mmol) and anhydrous Et₂ O were placed in a flame-dried three-neck 25 ml round-bottomed flask equipped with a reflux condenser and flushed with N₂. The solution was cooled to 0° C. before anhydrous pyridine (0.13 ml, 1.60 mmol) followed by a solution of rac-1-0-Hexadecyl-2-0-m-iodobenzoylglycerol (62.9 mg, 0.115 mmol) in anhydrous Et₂ O (4 ml) were added. The reaction mixture as stirred at 0° C. for 10 minutes and was then heated at reflux for 3.5 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature before the solvent was removed. A mixture of CHCl₃ and H₂ O were added. The CHCl₃ layer was removed and washed with H₂ O and the solvent was evaporated under pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography 10 g silica gel, CHCl₃ :MeOH, 9:1) to yield the pure compound 39: rac-1-0-hexadecyl-2-0-m-iodobenzoyl-2-0-(2'bromoethyl)-phosphoryl glycerol (56 mg, 36.4%).

rac-1-0-Hexadecyl-2-0-m-iodobenzoyl-2-0-(2'bromoethyl)phosphoryl glycerol (42.0 mg, 57.3 mmol) was place into a two-neck 25 ml round-bottomed flask equipped with a reflux condenser. A mixture of CHCl₃ :isopropanol:DMF (6 ml, 3:5:5) was added which was followed by the addition of an aqueous solution of N(CH₃)₃ (0.42 ml, 2.86 mmol, 7.1 M). The reaction mixture heated at 60° C. for 4 hours. The heat was removed and the reaction was allowed to cool to room temperature before AgCO₃ (35 mg, 0.12 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was heated for another hour and then allowed to cool to room temperature before being filtered. The solvent was removed and the residue dissolved in CHCl₃. The CHCl₃ solution was washed with H₂ O. MeOH was used to break up the emulsions which formed. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by column chromatography (10 g silica gel, CHCl₃ :MeOH:H₂ O) to provide the phospholipid 40: rac-1-0-hexadecyl-2-0-m-iodobenzoyl-3-0glycerophosphocholine (15 mg, 36.8%).

Example 5

It should also be noted that when the 2-position substituent on the triglycerol backbone structure of the general formula I is acetyl, the phospholipid ether analogues of the present invention would be substrates for platelet activating factor, and thus, would become useful as tracers for metabolic studies dealing with platelet activating factor.

Although the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments and applications, persons skilled in this art can, in light of this teaching, generate additional embodiments without exceeding the scope or departing from the spirit of the claimed invention. In particular, the methods of synthesis are merely illustrative and can be modified by those of skill in the art for the production of various substituted phospholipid ether analogues in accordance with the invention. Moreover, other techniques of radio-tagging the analogues may be employed. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions in this disclosure are proffered to facilitate the comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of the general formula: ##STR12## where X is selected from the group consisting of radioactive isotopes of iodine; n is an integer between 1 and 15; Y is selected from the group consisting of H, OH, ##STR13## , and OR wherein R is an alkyl or aralkyl; and Z is selected from the group consisting of NH₂, NR₂, and NR₃, wherein R is an alkyl or aralkyl.
 2. The compound of claim 1 wherein X is selected from the group of radioactive isotopes of iodine consisting of ¹²² I, ¹²³ I, ¹²⁵ I, and ¹³¹ I.
 3. 1-[12-(m-iodophenyl)dodecyl]-2-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine, wherein iodine is in the form of a radioactive isotope.
 4. The compound of claim 3 wherein the radioactive isotope of iodine is selected from the group consisting of ¹²² I, ¹²³ I, ¹²⁵ I, and ¹³¹ I.
 5. 1-[12-(m-iodophenyl)dodecyl]-propanediol-3-phosphocholine, wherein iodine is in the form of a radioactive isotope.
 6. The compound of claim 5 wherein the radioactive isotope of iodine is selected from the group consisting of ¹²² I, ¹²³ I, ¹²⁵ I, and ¹³¹ I. 